No use and sale of firecrackers in Rajasthan, Odisha, WB, Haryana this Diwali
Starting from Rajasthan and Odisha to Bengal and Haryana — these states have made it mandatory to ban the use of firecrackers, keeping in mind the pollution and coronavirus pandemic in mind.
FollowA day after the National Green Tribunal issued notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to ban the use of fire crackers from November 7-30 in the interest of public health and environment, a number of states have issued order in this regard.
Starting from Rajasthan and Odisha to Bengal and Haryana — these states have made it mandatory to ban the use of firecrackers, keeping in mind the pollution and coronavirus pandemic in mind.
The Odisha government has imposed a ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali from November 10 to 30 in order to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 infections.
Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has come up with a notification, which says that due to the proactive steps taken by the government, and cooperation of the people, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic had been controlled to a significant extent.
“Elderly persons, children, persons with comorbidities and others develop respiratory problems during the winter. Further, air pollution aggravates respiratory problems. Bursting of fire crackers releases copious amounts of harmful chemicals, which have a severe impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups,” the SRC observed.
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Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government has decided to ban the sale of firecrackers during the festive season in the state in the wake of the crisis created by the coronavirus pandemic. “Protecting the lives of people is paramount for the government in this challenging time,” Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said. He further added that in a situation like this, people should avoid using fireworks on Diwali.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday urged the people of Delhi to avoid bursting firecrackers as much as possible this Diwali in the interests of public health and environment. The minister launched an “anti-cracker” campaign and inspected various places to ensure that only “green” firecrackers are manufactured and sold in the city.
The Haryana government on Monday declared possession and sale of imported firecrackers as illegal and punishable in the state. Deputy commissioners of all the districts have been directed to be vigilant in this regard and take strict action against the sale and distribution of imported firecrackers.
In a similar manner, the West Bengal government also pledged not to allow bursting of firecrackers during Kali puja, Diwali to check air pollution.
“The West Bengal government will not allow bursting of firecrackers during Kali puja and Diwali to check air pollution and also because they are hazardous for Covid-19 patients,” Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay said in the new order.
